Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Heroes of the Environment (YA/MG Non-Fiction)

I loved this little gem of a non-fiction book! I'm a pretty big fan of anything "go-green" related, but Heroes of the Environment actually brings the people working behind the scenes at cleaning up our environment to the public eye and helps the reader to realize that a lot of times, a simple dream as a kid can turn into a reality that helps everyone on the planet.

Author Harriet Rohmer and illustrator Julie McLaughlin work together at showcasing 12 different individuals doing remarkable to protect the planet, including Barry Guillot, a middle school Science teacher in Louisiana, who has formed an organization (with his students), that explains how vital wetlands are to the New Orleans area. In fact, three months before Hurricane Katrina, the group performed a demonstration in the French Quarter, exhibiting just what flood waters could potentially do to the city if the wetlands were ignored. Ironically enough, their point was proven at the end of the summer.

Other stories like Barry Guillot's fill the book. From city farming to putting a stop to mountain top destruction in West Virginia, the reader is able to see how the simplest of ideas can turn into planet saving plans.

The chapters are kept short and to the point, not bogged down with text or heavy factual information. Photographs and line drawings are mixed in, giving visual appeal, though the true focus is on the people showcased in the chapters. I was touched by a lot of their desires to help improve our environment.

A great resource for projects, classrooms, etc. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will support the efforts of the Natural Resources Defence Council....so buy it for the library!!

Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our PlanetHarriet Rohmer110 pagesNon-FictionChronicle Books9780811867795August 2009Review copy provided by Amazon Vine program

To learn more or to purchase, click on the book cover above to link to Amazon. I am an Associate and will receive a tiny portion of your purchase.

Thanks for the nice comments. Thought you might like to know that the heroes I wrote about are using the book to help raise funds for their nonprofit organizations.Big party for Barry's group on the shores of the Mississippi River. I'll be signing books with Barry and his students! Best, Harriet

Nice to meet you!

I'm Amanda! I'm a book lover, former librarian, wannabe runner, military wife, and toddler mom. Here you'll find ramblings on great books for all ages and the occasional musing on life. Thanks for stopping by!